The Not-So-Secret Ingredient

Matcha has gone from the Far East’s best-kept secret to a year-round staple in many places around the world. Thanks to its incredible health perks and rich taste, having a cup or two daily can really do the body, and the taste buds, some good. Now that summer is upon us, all the better—because matcha is super-tasty consumed cold. It’s also a satisfying (and trending!) alternative to iced coffee, for those looking to avoid the jitters, teeth stains, and other effects of coffee.

Health Comes First

As a refresher (no pun intended), matcha is an amazing pick when it comes to a healthful lifestyle; it’s one of our favorites for its antioxidant, digestive, and metabolism-aiding properties, which is why we never shy away from writing about it. Matcha is a highly concentrated green tea powder which dissolves in lukewarm water to create a thicker, vibrant green beverage. Prepared warm or cool, it goes well with cow’s milk, alternatives milks, sweeteners, or straight up like regular tea. If drunk warm, the water shouldn’t be boiling, as green tea is too delicate and burns easily. If consumed cold, the base must be brewed warm in order for the powder to dissolve, and then it can be cooled.

Remember that if you want the good stuff for drinking straight, your matcha should be labeled ceremonial grade, which Heavenly Tea Leaves always delivers.

Getting Creative

Matcha on ice is the name of the game for summer, but how to get creative with it? There are plenty of conventional and unconventional ways to enjoy matcha on sunny days. You can add a floral touch, some sweaters like agave, honey, or maple syrup, some add-ins like herbs, fruits, or vegetables, or even go the dessert route, using it in preparations involving cake, ice cream, or pretty much anything served in a cup. Here are five interesting recipe ideas:

1. Cucumber-Mint Iced Matcha

Cool, crisp, and spa-inspired, this refreshing matcha preparation pairs vibrant, pure green tea notes with cooling cucumber and fresh mint for a revitalizing summer sip. This zen-inducing recipe draws inspiration from luxury spa beverages that use elements like cucumber and mint for their cooling, refreshing qualities.

Ingredients (Serves 1)

• 1 tsp Heavenly Tea Leaves Organic Ceremonial Matcha
• 2 oz warm water (175°F)
• 6 oz cold filtered water
• 2 cucumber slices
• 3 fresh mint leaves
• Ice
  

Instructions

1. Lightly muddle the cucumber and mint in the bottom of a glass.
2. Fill the glass with ice.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk matcha with warm water until smooth and frothy.
4. Pour the matcha over the ice.
5. Top with cold water and stir gently.
6. Garnish with an additional cucumber slice or mint sprig if desired.

2. Vanilla Matcha Affogato 

A matcha affogato is a Japanese-inspired twist on the classic Italian affogato, replacing espresso with vibrant, slightly bitter matcha poured over creamy vanilla ice cream. The result is a dessert with a pleasant contrast of temperatures and flavors: sweet, creamy vanilla balanced by the earthy, slightly bitter notes of matcha.

Ingredients (Serves 1)

• 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
• 1 teaspoon ceremonial or high-quality culinary matcha powder
• 2 tablespoons hot water (about 175°F / 80°C; not boiling)
• 1 teaspoon honey, maple syrup, or sugar (optional)
• Pinch of sea salt (optional)
• Optional Garnishes: White chocolate shavings, Toasted sesame seeds, Crushed pistachios, Mochi pieces, Extra dusting of matcha

Instructions

1. Prepare the matcha
2. Sift the matcha powder into a small bowl to remove clumps.
   • Add the hot water.
   • Whisk vigorously in a zigzag motion using a bamboo whisk (chasen) or small regular whisk until smooth and frothy.
3. Assemble
   • Place the vanilla ice cream scoops in a small serving glass or bowl.
4. Pour and serve
   • Pour the freshly whisked matcha over the ice cream.
   • Sprinkle with any desired garnishes.
   • Serve immediately while the matcha is warm and the ice cream is cold.

3. Matcha Soba Noodle Salad 

A cool, light lunch that's perfect for hot weather.

Ingredients (Serves 2)

• 6 oz (170 g) soba noodles
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Matcha Dressing

• 1 tsp matcha powder
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp water

Instructions

1. Cook soba noodles according to package directions. Rinse under cold water and drain.
2. Whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth.
3. Combine noodles, cucumber, carrots, avocado, and green onions in a large bowl.
4. Toss with the matcha dressing.
5. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve chilled.

4. Iced Coconut Matcha Cooler

This one delivers a creamy texture, plus it’s refreshing and naturally energizing. You can’t really go wrong.

Ingredients (Serves 1)

• 1 tsp matcha powder
• 2 tbsp hot water (not boiling)
• ¾ cup coconut water
• ½ cup coconut milk
• Ice cubes
• Optional: 1–2 tsp agave syrup or honey
• Lime wedge for garnish

Instructions

1. Whisk the matcha with hot water until smooth and frothy.
2. Fill a tall glass with ice.
3. Add coconut water and coconut milk.
4. Pour in the matcha mixture and sweetener if using.
5. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge.
   

5. No-Bake Matcha Yogurt Cheesecake Cups 

It’s dessert o’clock somewhere! A light, chilled post-meal pick-me-up with a subtle earthy flavor.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

Crust

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs

• 2 tbsp melted butter

Filling

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp matcha powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping

• Fresh strawberries, blueberries, or peaches

• Light dusting of matcha powder

Instructions

1. Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Divide among 4 small cups or jars.
2. Beat together yogurt, cream cheese, honey, matcha, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Spoon filling over the crust layer.
4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
5. Top with fresh fruit and a sprinkle of matcha before serving.

Summer Serving Tip

For a complete matcha-themed summer menu, serve the chilled soba salad with the coconut matcha cooler for lunch, then finish with the cheesecake cups straight from the refrigerator. The flavors complement one another without becoming overly sweet or heavy.

Summertime Matcha: Worth the Hype

Matcha is the best kind of fever dream for summer. There’s no reason why your matcha game shouldn’t be on point this June and beyond. A basic or even crafty matcha is easy to make at home, relatively inexpensive, and lends eye-popping wellness benefits. And, served iced, it’s a great way to beat the heat in the sweaty and humid months. Need we say more?